10 cars that get equivalent of 100 miles per gallon

Which cars of 2014 get the best mileage? The EPA ranks vehicles by fuel efficiency, including electric, hybrid and gas, on its site Fueleconomy.gov. This list includes all-electric cars. Vehicles are ranked by their combined rating (weighted by 55% city and 45% highway). Electric vehicles are measured in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), where 33.7 kW hours equal one gallon of gasoline.

Chevrolet

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1. 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

Combined: 119

City 128/Highway: 109

Fueleconomy.gov notes that these electric vehicles run on electricity only. They are propelled by an electric motor (or motors) powered by rechargeable battery packs.

Honda

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2. 2014 Honda Fit EV

Combined: 118

City: 132/Highway: 105

Electric vehicles have several advantages over vehicles with internal combustion engines, the EPA notes, especially energy efficiency: Electric vehicles convert about 59% to 62% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels, whereas conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 17% to 21% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.

4. 2014 Nissan Leaf

Combined: 114

City: 126/Highway: 101

Electric vehicles do, however, face significant battery-related challenges, according to Fueleconomy.gov. Top of that list? Driving range: most electric vehicles can only go about 100 to 200 miles before they need recharging. Gasoline vehicles can go more than 300 miles before refueling.

Mitsubishi

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5. 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Combined: 112

City: 126/Highway: 99

Another problem is the time it takes to recharge. Fully recharging the battery pack can take four to eight hours. Even a “quick charge” to 80% capacity can take 30 minutes.

Smart

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6. (tie) 2014 Smart fortwo EV cabriolet

Combined: 107

City: 122/Highway: 93

Battery packs: Electric vehicles’ large battery packs are expensive and may need to be replaced one or more times. Also, battery packs are heavy and take up considerable vehicle space.

Smart

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6. (tie) 2014 Smart fortwo EV coupe

Combined: 107

City: 122/Highway: 93

Researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving range and decrease recharging time, weight and cost. These factors will ultimately determine the future of EVs, according to the EPA.

Ford

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7. 2014 Ford Focus Electric

Combined: 105

City: 110/Highway: 99

Another benefit is the potential for a tax credit for electric vehicles purchased in or after 2010. Electric vehicle purchases can qualify for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used to fuel the vehicle. See more on tax credits at Fueleconomy.gov.

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